B-36 Peacemaker Group Build

jeaton01

You're doing a nice job, Derek, that cockpit looks great.

 

Great pictures, really show the quality of your work.

Thanks, Bockscar!

Hi guys!

I'm new to this forum and am building a Monogram B-36 for our 50s style barber shop here in Texas. There was a big blank spot on the ceiling above the customer waiting area and it absolutely needs a 50s era SAC bomber to finish the period effect of the shop.

I am doing a quick build, (well relatively quick for a 3' plastic model) and so far no glitches. Since it will be ceiling queen I am not detailing the cockpit or bombadier area.
 I will send pics soon.

Welcome to the forum Andy. You have now joined the rest of us lunatics that decided to take on the B-36 model. The end result is worth it -- quite a presence when hanging up.

I've been missing from this forum for quite a long time while a very slow house move has been taking place. My B-36 is 90-95% complete, but currently stored until it makes the trip to Florida, gets hung up in my office, and I add all the finishing (delicate) touches.

Everyone here is very helpful, so reach out if you have questions.

Thanks guys!

My interest in B-36s goes back to whan I was a kid. My second plastic model was the Revell B-36 and I built it during my second grade year. Living 3 miles from the end of the runway, you could always hear the monsters taking off. My Dad worked at Convair so it was a treat to go there to pick him up. The road went right next to the air base's fence where they were all lined up---dozens of them being worked on. As a 7 year old they were huge. The tail reached a full five stories from the ground.

Some of you were watching Strategic Air Command and skipped the June Allison parts---you need to watch the "romantic" part where Stewart is holding June in there meager officers qurters and a B-36 flies over. The window blinds vibrate and jump up and down----Ive seen this as a kid when they flew over!!

I'm taking the easy way out with this kit. I'm only filling the leading edge seam and my friend hand painted the canopies----not so hot up close but just fine from about 8 feet where the monster will hang. So far about 20 hours into the build------where can I get some atomic weapons for the Peacemaker?? As it was never called that!!

Actually I have 4 of these kits when Hob Lob put them on sale years ago. The next is about half finished and even has a masked canopy! HaHa! I want to build the plane that is in the You Tube "B-36 Buzz Job"---"Convair B-36 makes a low pass over a Ft Worth neighborhood".

This plane will hang on my ceiling!! What finish should I use? I have sprayed Alclad once before and it seems OK. Any thoughts from you guys?

Also could ya'll check the buzz numbers on that beast, from that You Tube vid? I think I know what it is but I need to see if my eyes actually see what you see----???

thanks so much for the encouragement and help!

Well----this build is talking far more time than I thought!!! On 30 hours now. Many more to go!!!!

More on the "Buzz Job". This video and story are on page 3 of our build. In October 1954, when I was 7, I was recovering from polio and at home in bed. One day I heard a B-36 take off from the AFB that was 3 miles away. I always liked the sound but didn't pay much attention. But it kept getting louder and louder! Within seconds the roar was shaking the bed, floor, pictures were falling off the walls, and the floor was vibrating. The window blinds were jumping up and down in my bedroom window. I thought "this guy is coming right down my street and is not just above the houses but between the houses, Wow!!!!!"(Of course impossible) I jumped out of bed, ran through the living room and out the front door in my jammies, so excited about the buzz job but so scared I would meet the monster nose to nose in the front yard!

I ran clear to the middle of the street and looked all around. By then the engines were beginning to fade and it was though nothing had happened. I'd missed it!! Really mad at myself and so disappointed. It was hot from the afternoon sun and dead calm, and not a soul or car was in the street. I thought "Where are these people!!!!! They just missed the show of the century and nobody cares!!!!!!!(Actually the houses were full of young moms raising baby boomers and could have cared less---Probably upset at the racket that lasted for 10 seconds)

This has been one of my great regrets of childhood---the other was losing Rickenbacker's autograph. But, about 3 years ago, I found 8mm film of the Buzz Job while surfing for B-36 stuff---the pilots wives had known before hand and filmed it!!!!!!!!!! So I did get to see it after all!!!

In the film, it is interesting to note it was dead calm that afternoon, but the small trees, bushes are being blown by the monsters prop wash. The plane passed down the street next to mine. (I found the houses and street by looking at Google maps street view and matching to the film.)

Mom was upset the monster knocked pictures off the walls and broke dishes from the display rack----and really upset that I'd run outside at a dead run. But I didn't care---I had at least heard the monster and my dad who worked at Convair thought it was veeeery swell! He knew that the CO at the field thought it was a nice touch!!!!

Andy, fascinating story on your close-up childhood encounters with the B-36. As far as finish goes, I haven't mastered Alclad yet but those who have get an excellent finish with it.  I used MM metalizers (aluminum, magnesium, etc.,) from rattle cans on my build because it’s easy to shoot, they hold up well after sealing and that's what I was used to. I've attached a picture which shows the various color variations.

Note: 1/72 scale Spit for size comparison.

Below: B-36's final resting place...my son's BR ceiling.

Thanks Reasoned, for the reply and pix of your bird!

I have a couple of questions----Did you use MM non buffing metalic colors? Also what did you use for a clear coat over the silver? I would like to try your technique for a finish. Are the rattle cans the same paint as the bottled stuff? I would like to airbrush.

Testors silver in the rattle can made a nice silver when it was decanted and applied in the airbrush

I have used Alclad---it goes on fairly easy but has horrible fumes and spray. You need a charoal mask and all skin covered. The first time I used it, it made me sick and high as a kite!

Great job on the bird and Spit! I'm now trying to fit the wings to the fusalage---yikes!!!

B-36Andy

I have a couple of questions----Did you use MM non buffing metalic colors? Also what did you use for a clear coat over the silver? I would like to try your technique for a finish. Are the rattle cans the same paint as the bottled stuff? I would like to airbrush.

 

Yes, I used the "non-buffing" version and used the MM Metalizer Sealer over them. I'm not sure it's a whole lot different than the Glosscote product but the cost was about the same.  The reason you need the sealer is although the Metalizers go on well, they have a tendency to easily rub off.  I would think the AB version is the same as rattle can but again, I'm lazy and don't like cleaning the AB.

Hey Reasoned!

Thanks for the reply! I am now sanding leading edges and learned to use super glue for this. This has been a super learning experience!

Hi,

I seem to remember reading on the internet that this is a completed model and not a kit for building. Price wasn't given but I think it was available from Japan.

Roger

Thanks roger for the heads up!

I think I've heard that a Chech company is making a fiberglass kit with resin detail.

It may be released in 2017. 

Andy,

Now that sounds interesting. The bigger the better for me as I don't do very good in the now smaller 1/72 scale. Maybe I could make a 1/48 visually more presentable.

Cheers,

Roger 

Hey Gents,

I saw a great file photo of a B-36 in a news story

about a guy finding a lost nuke:

http://www.foxnews.com/science/2016/11/07/canadian-man-may-have-found-cold-war-lost-nuke.html

;D

Reasoned

Andy, fascinating story on your close-up childhood encounters with the B-36. As far as finish goes, I haven't mastered Alclad yet but those who have get an excellent finish with it.  I used MM metalizers (aluminum, magnesium, etc.,) from rattle cans on my build because it’s easy to shoot, they hold up well after sealing and that's what I was used to. I've attached a picture which shows the various color variations.

 

Note: 1/72 scale Spit for size comparison.

 

Below: B-36's final resting place...my son's BR ceiling.

 

 

Hi Group,

I have aquired a Revell/Monogram RB/B-36 which I think is the 1997 edition. Although it is not yet the time to start the kit, I have already begun to gather some stuff for it - and information. As nearly always with kits and aircraft I am not too familiar with the question pile up rather quickly.

Here's what I got so far:

The kit as mentioned - complete but the decals heavily yellowed.

Squadron/Signal B-36 in action

Pavla Front gun turrets and compartment

Warbird decals 72-003 (walkways a.s.o.)

Warbird decals 72-031 (various Peacemakers)

I am sorry but I was not able to read the nearly 30 pages here and so it would be nice if may be someone could point out what needs to be done to get the kit as accurate as possible.

I want to make a B-36H because the bomber version of the kit is labeled as an "H".

My Warbirds-sheet has B-36H 50-1086 "Miss Featherweight" on it but as far as I understand the Featherweight aircraft had the guns removed, so I think this one's out (of course I want to install the Pavla set)

Another one is the  EB-36H 51-5726 Test Group (Atomic). Would that be an option or is there something special about the EB-36? And I must say I would prefer the large US AIR FORCE writing on the fuselage plus white undersides....

The rest are an RB-36E and a B-36D...hmmm....may be some other B-36H can be made from the existing decals of the sheet.

Things I wonder about:

- White undersides: Is it only the fuselage and horizontal stabilators or the wings as well?

- Bomb Bay (I will have it closed). Looks strange in the kit, only one bomb bay.

- Canopy blister (on top). Is that not a 'real' blister to look out of? It seems so flat and according to instructions is to be painted over.

- all the little antenna mounts that line the fuselage sides. Are they (or some) used for a B-36H or are they only for the RB-36?

-should the bombardiers round window be 'plated over' on a B-36H?

This is how far I've come by now but of course would appreciate any further information about what needs to be done to correct the kit. That is, to the best of my ability

Mostly, I worry about the aircraft to chose. When buying Warbirds' 72-031 I did not think about all the different versions it contains...

As you can see, I would appreciate any help I can get for this built. I tried to get the "Detail & Scale" about the B-36, but no luck yet. I am off for a model show over the coming weekend so may only be able to reply here on Monday. May be I get the 'Detail & Scale" there or may be the Warpaint issue for the Peacemaker. I found the "...in action" to be only of limited use so far. But that may change when I know where to look and what for.

Thanks and bye for now,

Ingo

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Hi Ingo,

Welcome to the forum. I've been absent for quite a while due to a move (which isn't quite complete yet). I've superdetailed a B-36 (photos are posted in this forum). Here are some answers to your questions.

1. The wings were also painted white on the undersides, but not completely. I dont' have a good picture to post, but a search on the internet will uncover some good shots of what is white and what is natural metal.

2. The bomb bay is completely wrong. Click2detail has a 3D printed replacement (doors closed). I just checked and their website is undergoing some long term maintenance, but you can contact Chris at click2detail(at)click2detail(dot)com.

3. If you decide to do a featherweight, I had Click2detail create window panel conversion plugs. However, I recommend leaving the aft lower observation bubbles in place. Most commanders wanted someone to physically see the props and flaps while flying if needed.

4. If you decide to show the aircraft with wheels down, but still flying, I also had Click2detail create new landing gear that have the proper droop. You still supply the wheels.

5. I assume you are talking about the little oval shapes along the fuselage. They were for ECM antennas/transmitters (if my terminology is correct). They were on B-36H as well as, I believe, all versions. However, they were not all the same. I'm not sure that anyone other than rivet counters would ever know which ones were on which version. The info is out there, you'll just need to check for your particular version. I can recommend an easy upgrade that will make your model look better. Wherever you want to have the antennas drill a small hole. Cut about a 1/8" long portion of a plastic oval-shaped toothpick and sand the cut edges a little rounded. Dip the narrow end into CA glue and stick it in the hole so about 1/16" sticks out. Paint it white. My earlier photos don't show those because I won't install them until I hang my model.

6. Yes, the B-36H bombardier's window was plated over. The center circle should be black (with a silver frame). The small circle to the starboard side of the center circle should be metallic. And the top-most trapezoidal in the second ring of windows on the starboard side should also be metallic.

7. The canopy blister on  top was for navigation. It is clear, but has a large metallic frame around it.

8. There are lots of additional details you can add. I went a little nuts and made some of my decals for extra things that are covered in the aftermarket decal sheets. I also added the formation lights along the wings and fuselage (white and blue). Model railroad shops carry the right size. 

Hope this helps. Enjoy the model and try to maintain your sanity. It can be very frustrating at time.

I think the best references are the books authored by Dennis Jenkins on the B-36.  Here are two that I found useful.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/899208.Magnesium_Overcast

https://www.amazon.com/B-36-Photo-Scrapbook-Dennis-Jenkins/dp/1580070752

Hello Ingo,

A few more points. I'd also recommend Convair B-36 Peacemaker: A Photo Chronicle by Meyers K. Jacobsen and B-36 in action by Squadron/Signal Publications (Aircraft No. 42). 

Page 53 in Jacobsen's book has a good underside photo of a B-36H so you can see the white/metallic areas.

Page 32 of the Squadron book shows some of the ECM antenna on an RB-36H. Also, I believe your kit has the bra-style (i.e., two cone) rear radome. Some B-36H and all B-36Js as far as I know had the later AN/APG-41A radome (a single wide style rather than two separate cones). FYI, the Squadron book on page 32 shows the radome designs. Your safe using the two cone radome unless you want to build a B-36J.

Good luck

Thanks to all of you for your answers and advice. Very useful remarks about the built.

I will try to get some of the books for further reference but I might get back to you when I am finallly ready to get started on the Behemoth.

Ingo

Howdy Everone, so I finally get out of the hospital and what'sup with photo bucket? and is everybody else still watching this when I first started my conversion? I started on the fuslage rear retractable tail wheel assembly, what a monster this is i'm trying to make it functionable. I finally found some wheel/tire assemblies that I can make resin copies of. So long for now Magoo  

Hey John!  That is a nice looking B-36 you built there.  My old Monogram kit is "someplace" at this point and with the new kit I just got it will probably stay there.

As to the "NEW" kit it is the HPH monster.  If you are interested there is an out of box review I posted at Modelers Alliance.  Here is the link  http://www.modelersalliance.org/forum/news-reviews/153902-giant-hph-b-36-in-1-48th-scale

Thanks, Paul.  I did see your review on the HPH kit.  Given that I had to build a custom cabinet to hold the Monogram kit I don't see the HPH kit on my bench.  If I didn't have so many other models of good size I still want to build it might be more attractive, though.

I have several kits in the 35 inch wingspan range and will probably build a cabinet to hold them.   Also have a 1/48th scale Millennium Falcon and it is going to get a coffe table built.  

Too much to build not enough time. 

Hi guys!

I got my B-36 back in January and have been wondering how to tackle this kit! Thanks for posting!!

A little background on some of it----HpH used the Russian plans that came from ??? (possibly lifted during the 50s?) to do their detail parts and place details on the wings, etc. Also the large parts of wings and fusalage may be from their old molds that were done a few years ago when they didn't have the good Russian plans. These Russain plans may be innacurate in some areas as is reflected in the oil coolers. Also the leading edge air intakes were of different shape and width and this is not reflected in the kit---they are all the same width. Maybe we will find more inaccuracies as we build.

Keep in mind that ANY plans of the B-36 were rare and hard to get throughout the years. I thought I would scratch build a model 3 years ago--- contacted General Dynamics and their archives could not locate the wing rib profiles for the 36. Good plans are almost non existant. 

As I fly sailplanes, I know HpH makes fiberglas glider wings for different companies throughout Europe. The whole wing and fusalage assembly of the B-36 model is a miniature glider wing assembly! Very cool!!

As a kid, we drove by 100s of B-36s everday for about 3 years---some were as close as 30 feet away. You get very familiar with these birds as a kid-----and remeber lots of details! I could hardly wait for that drive each day!

I am blessed to have kit #1 as I began writing to HpH when they were just thinking about doing this model.

I want to do a model of ship 1345 that was based at Carswell AFB in 1954 and buzzed my house one Fall afternoon! Its on You Tube "B-36 Buzz Job", caught on film by the pilots wives!

One day I would love to have the HPH kit, as the mighty B-36 has always intrigued me. sadly the $500+ price tag is a bit hard to overcome. hopefully I can see pictures of one finished soon.

Hi Group,

It's been while since I posted anything here but I've dusted off my B-36 recently and I've been tinkering with it on the bench for the past week or so...

I went ahead and ordered this part from Click2detail:

https://www.shapeways.com/product/DVF3ZF2JM/1-72-xb-36-and-early-b-36-apg-3-antenna?productConfiguration=64896305&etId=186642155&utm_source=automated-contact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=order-shipped&utm_content=5

It arrived a few days ago and it's pretty nifty I must say.  Here's a few photos.  It's a nicely 3D printed single radome for the early RB-36F I'm doing.  It's a bit rough of course, so I'm sure it needs some careful sanding and maybe a coat of Mr Surface primer.

One must remove the portion of the tail under the rudder for the new tail radome piece to fit.

So using my Dremel tool, razor saw, sanding sticks, and files I removed the portion of the port fuselage half to check the fit.

And here's a shot with the 3D part in place.  This looks great and will look even better once it is faired in and smoothed over.

That's about it for now.  I've just glued together all the props and I'm about to fill and sand the seam between the front and rear prop hubs.  Which looks fun...

-Derek